Grant Aerona 290 15.5kW Heat Pump: Technical Specifications
The Grant Aerona 290 15.5kW (model HPR290155) is a factory-sealed, single-phase 230V monobloc air-to-water heat pump catalogued in our monobloc heat pump specifications database. Operating on a sealed hermetic R290 propane refrigeration circuit with a twin-rotary inverter compressor, the outdoor unit delivers high-capacity hydronic space heating and domestic hot water down to -25°C ambient air temperatures without auxiliary direct-electric heating.
- Dimensions: 1365 mm (Height) × 1155 mm (Width) × 425 mm (Depth) external chassis footprint.
- Weight: 180 kg net dry weight (mandates mechanical lifting equipment during site positioning).
- Heating Outputs: 16.16 kW thermal output at A7/W35; 15.57 kW thermal output at A7/W55.
- SCOP Ratings: 4.56 seasonal efficiency at 35°C flow; 3.33 seasonal efficiency at 55°C flow.
- ErP Labels: Energy class A+++ rated at 35°C water regime; Class A++ rated at 55°C water regime.
Table of Contents
Grant Engineering 15.5kW Heat Pump: Pros and Cons
Claim 1: The 180kg unit weight creates severe installation access constraints for standard UK terraced properties.
Evidence: Measuring 1365 mm (H) × 1155 mm (W) × 425 mm (D) with a net dry weight of 180 kg, the monobloc chassis cannot be safely manoeuvred through standard 750 mm doorway openings or narrow residential side passages via manual handling. Site positioning mandates specialised mechanical lifting equipment, powered stair climbers, or crane-in placement, substantially increasing installation labour costs and preliminary logistics.
Claim 2: The 55°C high-flow capability makes it viable for older, uninsulated homes with standard radiators.
Evidence: Generating 15.57 kW at A7/W55 with a 3.33 SCOP, the unit maintains required mean water temperatures without auxiliary direct-electric elements. In our engineering guide to high-temperature heat pumps for radiators, this thermal output satisfies higher heat loss rates while utilising existing steel panel radiators, eliminating the capital expenditure and disruption of whole-house emitter upsizing.
Grant Aerona 15.5kW Heat Pump Installation Requirements
Installing the 15.5kW Grant Aerona 290 demands rigorous electrical assessment. The unit draws substantial current on a 230V single-phase supply, requiring a dedicated 32A or 40A Type C MCB, a 30mA Type A RCD, and an external rotary isolator. Maximum running current and starting inrush necessitate checking the property’s incoming cutout fuse headroom, typically rated at 60A, 80A, or 100A. Installers must assess single-phase heat pump electrical limits, submitting an ENA Connect and Notify or Prior Approval application to the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) before commissioning on restricted supplies.
Hydraulic integration requires 1” BSP male flow and return connections. Maintain a minimum 28mm copper or 32mm multilayer primary pipe diameter directly to the volumiser or low-loss header to preserve required flow rates and prevent excessive hydraulic resistance. External monobloc pipework requires Class O elastomeric insulation and anti-freeze valves to protect the internal plate heat exchanger against mains power failure.
Grant Engineering Heat Pumps: R290 Refrigerant Safety
R290 (propane) operates with an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3 and zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), remaining fully compliant against ongoing European and UK F-gas phase-downs. Classified under ISO 817 as an A3 flammable refrigerant, propane is heavier than air; accidental discharge causes vapour to pool at finished ground level rather than dispersing upward.
When positioning the outdoor unit, installers must establish a continuous protective zone calculated under BS EN 60079-10-1:
- Open Drains & Gulleys: The discharge perimeter must maintain strict separation from un-trapped surface water drains, sewer gulleys, and inspection chambers to prevent pooling refrigerant from entering below-ground pipe networks.
- Basement Windows & Low Openings: Unbroken exclusion boundaries apply around light-wells, cellar vents, and downward air bricks to stop heavier-than-air vapour from migrating into lower interior living spaces.
- Ignition Sources: Non-ATEX electrical disconnects, external 230V socket outlets, boiler flues, and unsealed building entries cannot reside inside the boundary.
Because specific perimeter radii vary by charge mass, evaluate our guide to R290 refrigerant safety clearances; local Building Control officers and the manufacturer installation manual dictate final certified clearances.
Are Grant Heat Pumps Eligible for UK Grants?
Claim: As an MCS-certified appliance, the Grant Aerona 290 satisfies all technical criteria for UK government subsidy funding.
Evidence: When installed by an MCS-accredited contractor, the unit easily exceeds the mandatory 2.8 minimum SCOP threshold and fulfils full-space-heating design criteria required for £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility in England and Wales. Ofgem remits the £7,500 voucher value directly to the installer as an upfront line-item deduction from the consumer quote, provided the system wholly replaces a fossil-fuel or direct-electric heating arrangement.
Claim: The hardware is compatible with third-party utility delivery models and smart tariffs.
Evidence: National energy suppliers, including Octopus Energy, support MCS-certified monobloc installations across their contractor channels. This compatibility allows end-users to pair the Grant Engineering Aerona with dedicated time-of-use tariffs, such as Cosy Octopus, to optimise off-peak running costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions and weight of the Grant Aerona 290 15.5kW heat pump?
The Grant Aerona 290 15.5kW (HPR290155) measures 1365mm in height, 1155mm in width, and 425mm in depth. Due to its monobloc architecture, the unit weighs 180kg, requiring specialised mechanical lifting equipment during UK installations.
Does the Grant Engineering 15.5kW heat pump require a 3-phase electricity supply?
No, the Grant Aerona 15.5kW model operates on a standard 230V single-phase UK supply. However, due to its high output, it typically requires a dedicated 32A or 40A MCB circuit and may require prior notification to the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
How does the R290 refrigerant in Grant Aerona heat pumps affect installation clearances?
Because R290 (propane) is a flammable A3 refrigerant, UK building regulations dictate strict placement clearances. The unit must be installed a minimum distance away from open drains, basement windows, property boundaries, and ignition sources to prevent gas accumulation.
Is the Grant Aerona 15.5kW heat pump Quiet Mark accredited for UK residential areas?
Yes, the Grant Aerona 290 range carries Quiet Mark accreditation. The 15.5kW model operates at a sound pressure level of 41.9 dB(A) and a maximum sound power of 53 dB(A), making it compliant with standard UK residential noise regulations.
What SCOP ratings do Grant Engineering heat pumps achieve at 55°C flow?
The Grant Aerona 290 15.5kW achieves a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of 4.56 at a 35°C flow temperature, and an SCOP of 3.33 at a 55°C flow temperature. It holds an ErP A++ rating at the higher 55°C radiator flow temperature.
